Governor Awards Dutch Craft Sleep Products, LLC Job Training Grant

Wednesday, October 15, 2008 | 02:55 pm

DUTCH CRAFT SLEEP PRODUCTS, LLC Awarded $12,046

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley have awarded $12,046 to Dutch Craft Sleep Products, LLC in Celina, Tenn. Incumbent Worker Training grants assist existing employers with training needs associated with skills upgrades for their employees. Over the past three years, Incumbent Worker Training grants have totaled more than $5.7 million to assist more than 22,000 employees.

"Job training to upgrade the skills of workers is one of the most important things we can do for our economy," said Governor Bredesen. "Now more than ever it is essential for us to provide training for our workforce to keep both Tennesseans and their employers competitive."

"The Incumbent Worker Grants help companies invest in the future of their workers," said Commissioner Neeley. "I am pleased to award this grant to Dutch Craft Sleep Products."

“The Incumbent Worker Grants are a good tool to keep employers and workers up-to-date on the latest skills training,” said Representative Leslie Winningham.

The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency played a key role in awarding the grant to Dutch Craft Sleep Products.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the Incumbent Worker Training program. The program has been structured to be flexible to meet the business's training objectives. The business may use public, private, or its own in-house training provider based on the nature of the training.

The following criteria must be met to qualify for the Incumbent Worker Training Program. Employers must be in operation in Tennessee for at least one year prior to application date. Employers must have at least five full-time employees, demonstrate financial viability and be current on all state tax obligations. Funding priority is given to businesses whose grant proposals represent a significant layoff avoidance strategy and represent a significant upgrade of skills.